ABSTRACT

This chapter explores the military’s effect on the overall social and political order by which it so obviously has been shaped, and in particular its effects on the aspects of society that influence foreign policy. It presents somewhat of a middle course. The army uses the latest in nuclear and electronic technology yet the press routinely describes shortages of fresh fruit, footwear, and shower facilities in military garrisons. In the past Western scholars have tended to be more interested in the substance of Soviet military policy than in political and social processes in which the army is involved. The most important role Soviet military officers play is that of administrative agents of civilian politicians. For instance, military officials, usually in quite specialized agencies, participate as administrators in several areas of mainly civilian jurisdiction into which they have been allowed to extend their efforts to augment military capabilities.